Best LGBTQ+ characters in animated television shows

With the rise in LGBTQ+ characters in animated television shows, we decided to pick a handful of our favourites just for you!

Top News . Written by Elliott Salmon.

Split screen of the best LGBTQ+ animated characters on TV: Spongebob Squarepants (left), Marceline and Princess Bubblegum (centre), Waylon Smithers (right)

We have been very lucky over the years to have had some memorable animated TV shows. Whether you watched these shows as a kid or whether you’re still watching them now (as you should be!) we have created a list of the best LGBTQ+ characters in animated shows.

Velma Dinkley- Scooby Doo

Perhaps the most memorable addition to Mystery Incorporated? Velma is the orange turtleneck, red pleated skirt, square glasses legend of the group. Did you know that she is also a lesbian? That’s right, our queen is a gay icon too!

Shego- Kim Possible

https://twitter.com/SadNonGf/status/1246624181351047168

She made her first appearance in Kim Possible as Dr. Drakken’s sidekick and went on to steal many fans’ hearts. Whilst there has never been any confirmation that Shego is queer, others seem to think differently “Throughout the show, the sexual tension between the teenage crime fighter and her main nemesis is palpable. Also, Shego got her powers after being hit by a RAINBOW COMET. Need I say more?”

Ruby and Sapphire- Stephen Universe

This show is known for its progressive depictions of gender and sexuality. The Cartoon Network original was the first of its kind to depict same-sex marriage and an uncensored kiss between two women. Guess who those women were? Ruby and Sapphire! 

Spongebob Squarepants- TV Series

Do you hear his unique laugh anytime someone mentions his name? Because I do too! Nickelodeon confirmed that our joyful sea sponge identifies as gay in a Tweet sent out during Pride month and we’re still not over it! He is a beautiful addition to our best LGBTQ+ characters list!

Harley Quinn- TV Series

You may know her from the live action films but did you know that she has her own cartoon series too? Her relationship with Poison Ivy is finally explored and our gay hearts cannot handle it! Both Ivy and Harley begin the series as best friends but as time goes on, they realise that they like each other more than friends…

Waylon Smithers- The Simpsons

Do you remember Mr. Burns’ assistant in the show? Were you like me and unaware that he had a first name? Or even a story in The Simpsons universe? Well don’t worry! I got you covered! Waylon is known as the highest profile gay character on the show. He officially came out in “the burns cage” episode although it is said that many folks in Springfield were aware of his sexuality before then. Smithers is also not discreet about his love for his boss “Actually, I value every second we’re together: from the moment I squeeze his orange juice in the morning, till I… tuck him in at night. He’s not just my boss, he’s my best friend, too”

Marceline and Princess Bubblegum- Adventure Time

Writers and fans of the beloved show spent many years speculating about the potential romantic relationship between these two characters. So much so that after ten beautiful seasons, it finally happened! Their ship name is Bubbline and they are EVERYTHING so of course we would add them to the best LGBTQ+ characters list.

Did your favourites make the list? Let us know!

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